The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-12-28

p 1s the spOll Ol anyone
W 10 chooses to fitch it, says The Alta
California.
This Unborn Caucasian sentiment has
had frequent and impressive illustra-
tons, and has been the medium of in
Vulnerable practical jokes, but it was
left to the genius of San Francisco
ar-keeper to make it an auxiliary agen-
cy in catering to his customers. Pro-
foundly versed in the weaknesses of
his fellow-men, and with the idea of
making the mania for purloinng UNI
1hrellas ~ profitable adjunct of his bust
iss, he had constructed in his saloon.
ar the door, rack for holding this
ich-rcquired article on rainy days
then placed therein costly and
beautiful silk umbrella. but attached to
it was wire connecting with bell UNI
der the bar. Anyone attempting 10
take the umbrella pulled the wire,
which rang the bell, and the culprit
stood revealed in his larcenous inten-
ton.
The barkeeper called his atten-
ton to q printed card, which hung
several feet above the rack on the wall.
1t read as follows:
anyone attempting to steal the
umbrella is expected to set 'em upr'
This card hung so high on the wall
that casual observer would fail TO
notice it.
The bar-keeper, with an eye to busi-
ness. had all these preiminaries fully
arranged for the first rainy day Of the
season. 1t was early in the morning
that his initial Wet m appeared. The
humid clouds were distilling a drench-
ing shower as an able practitioner of
the law appeared for his morning cock
tail. He drank the liquid cvntradic-
ton with infinite relish, and then. but
toning up his coat, moved toward the
door. The umbrella caught his eye.
1t was raining cats and dogs. The
Aidownpour was prodigous. He cast
furiive but hurried glance over his
shoulder at the bar-keeper. That in
genious worthy was giving his whole
attention TO his glasses. Then the
lawyers hand went out swiftly to the
NlIuIIug Ilt lOuCntu lub
hande-the alarm rang out clear and
distinct-the r-keeper turned his
luminous eyes on the culprit
"Old mar" he observed with gentle
tenderness, lust read that card labove
your head"
The lawyers glance took in the stu
alton. and he returned to the counter.
What shall it beP" he inquired, with
all a LAWYERS cil'rontery.
We'll" repl cd the barkeeper, "as
you and are the only persons present,
rekon you will have to stand small
bottle"
set il up"
The wine was drank, and then the
disciple of Blackstone. true TO his call
ing, announced h intention of remain
ing few minutes TO see what the next
customer would do.
Even as he spoke. bustling active
broker put in an appearance. ~
Whisky straight, please! It's an
awful wet morning" And. scarcely
wa ting for his change. he was hurry
ing out, when suddenly his feet seemed
glued to the floor. A swift glance was
cast back at the dispenser of drinks.
and then mis- nervous fingers closed
firmly on the handle of the umbrella.
The warning bell rang ont its signal.
aud the barkeeper and the lawyer gazed
in astonishmcnt at the pilferer.
You had better look at the card on
the wall" mildly suggested the gentle
man with the white apron.
The broker looked, and came back
slowly to the bar.
II guess we i have bottle on this.
hui I'd like to STAY here while and
see some other fellow caught" And
he did. There was consia ant influx of
visitors. and the warning bell rang al
most necessarily. Every man stayed
tosee some other culprit caught in the
act. The house never. did such thirty
ing business. And it has kept it up
ever since. A mysterious rumor went
abroad that something out of the or
binary way was 10 be seen ut the place
in question. and every day since the
saloon has been invaded by eager
crowds. The rainy weather has kept
The trap in active operation. And as
those who go in and are bitten remain
to see who will be the next unfortunate.
'setting EN- up for the crowd be-
comes very serious business. Occa-
'onaiy the man pleads poverty. but
I they make him leave his watch or d n
mond ring while he goes out for the
money TO redeem il. There is no
backing down. The man had rather
threat than 10 be thought thief in can
hst. and this is the only loop-hole he
has for escape.
! Meanwhile the ingenious abilities of